What a LAN world is and how to find one
A LAN world is a Minecraft game that one player hosts from their own computer, and other players on the same local network can join without needing a server or internet connection. When someone opens their single-player world to LAN, their computer becomes the host, and anyone connected to the same WiFi or ethernet network can see that world listed in their multiplayer menu and jump in.
The person hosting the world stays in control of it — they can pause the game, change settings, and kick players out if needed. When the host closes the game or stops hosting, the world closes for everyone. This is different from a server, where the world stays running even when the owner logs off.
LAN worlds work best for small groups playing together in the same house, office, or building. They are fast because data travels only across your local network, not through the internet. However, they only work when the host's computer is running and actively hosting.
Key Takeaways
- The person hosting the LAN world must open their single-player world to LAN through the pause menu, then stay in the game while others play.
- You join a LAN world by opening Multiplayer in the main menu, waiting for the world to appear in your server list, and clicking it to connect.
- Everyone joining must be on the same WiFi network or connected to the same local network as the host's computer.
- If a LAN world does not appear in your list, check that your computer is on the same network and that the host has actually opened the world to LAN.
- LAN worlds only work in Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux — Bedrock Edition uses Realms or split-screen instead.
How the host opens a world to LAN
The person hosting must be in their single-player world and have it open in front of them. They press Escape to open the pause menu, then look for a button labeled "Open to LAN" — this button only appears in single-player worlds, not in worlds that are already multiplayer or on a server.
Clicking "Open to LAN" brings up a small menu with two options: Game Mode and Allow Cheats. The host can leave these at their defaults or change them. Game Mode lets them choose whether players join in Survival, Creative, or Adventure mode. Allow Cheats toggles whether players can use commands like /give or /teleport. Once the host clicks "Start LAN World," the world is open and other players can see it.
The host must stay in the game the entire time other players are connected. If they close Minecraft, press Escape and click "Save and Quit to Title," or their computer goes to sleep, the LAN world closes and all players are kicked out. The world itself is not deleted — it stays on the host's computer and can be opened to LAN again later.
How to find and join a LAN world on your computer
Start Minecraft and click "Multiplayer" from the main menu. Your computer automatically scans your local network for any open LAN worlds. Within a few seconds, any worlds being hosted nearby should appear in your server list with the host's name and world name.
Click the world you want to join, then click "Join Server." Your computer connects to the host's computer, and you load into the world. If the world does not appear after waiting 10 seconds, try clicking "Refresh" at the bottom of the server list. If it still does not show up, make sure you are on the same WiFi network as the host — check your network settings to confirm.
Once you are in the world, you play normally. You can build, mine, and interact with other players just like in any multiplayer game. The host can see you in their world and can kick you out through the pause menu if needed. When you want to leave, press Escape and click "Disconnect" — this removes you from the world but does not affect the host or other players still connected.
Troubleshooting: Why a LAN world is not showing up
The most common reason a LAN world does not appear is that your computer is not on the same network as the host. Check that both computers are connected to the same WiFi network or the same ethernet network. If one computer is on WiFi and another is on a different WiFi network (like a guest network), they cannot see each other's LAN worlds.
If you are on the same network but the world still does not show up, ask the host to check that they actually clicked "Open to LAN" — the button must be clicked and the menu must say "LAN World On" or show a port number. Sometimes the host thinks they opened it but actually just paused the game. Have them press Escape again to confirm the "Open to LAN" button is still there.
If the world appears but you cannot connect, the host's firewall might be blocking the connection. On Windows, the host can check Windows Defender Firewall settings and make sure Minecraft is allowed through. On Mac, check System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall Options. If you are still stuck, try restarting both computers and having the host open the world to LAN again.
LAN worlds in Java Edition versus Bedrock Edition
LAN worlds only work in Java Edition, which runs on Windows PC, Mac, and Linux. If you are playing Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10/11, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or mobile), LAN worlds are not available. Bedrock players can use Realms, which is a subscription service that hosts worlds on Microsoft's servers, or they can play split-screen on the same console.
If you own both Java and Bedrock Edition, make sure you are launching the right one. On Windows, Java Edition is a separate launcher from the Microsoft Store version. On Mac, Java Edition is also separate. Check your launcher or desktop shortcut to confirm which version you are running before looking for a LAN world.
What happens when the host leaves or the connection drops
If the host closes Minecraft or their computer loses power, all players connected to that LAN world are immediately kicked out. You see a message saying "Disconnected from server" and return to the multiplayer menu. Your inventory and any blocks you placed stay in the world — they are not lost — but you cannot access them until the host opens the world to LAN again.
If your own internet or network connection drops, you are also disconnected from the LAN world. However, your character and any changes you made stay in the world. When you reconnect to the network and rejoin, you pick up where you left off.
If the host's connection drops but their computer stays on and Minecraft keeps running, you might stay connected for a few seconds before being kicked. The exact behavior depends on your network setup, but the result is the same: you return to the multiplayer menu and must wait for the host to fix their connection before rejoining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join a LAN world if I am not in the same house?
No. LAN worlds only work on local networks, which means you must be connected to the same WiFi or ethernet network as the host. If you are in a different building or on a different internet connection, you cannot see or join a LAN world. For playing together remotely, use a server or Realms instead.
Do I need to own Minecraft to join a LAN world?
Yes. You must have a legitimate copy of Minecraft Java Edition installed and be logged in with a valid account. The host does not need to send you an invitation or do anything special — you just need to be on the same network and have the game running.
Can the host play in Creative mode while other players are in Survival?
No. When the host opens a world to LAN, they set one Game Mode for the entire world. All players, including the host, play in that mode. If the host wants to switch modes, they must close the world to LAN, change the world's game mode in single-player settings, and open it to LAN again.
What if someone joins my LAN world and I want them to leave?
Press Escape to open the pause menu and look for a "Players" button or option. Click it to see a list of all players connected to your world. Next to each player's name is a "Remove Player" or kick button. Click it to remove that player from your world immediately.
Can I save my LAN world and play it alone later?
Yes. The world is always saved on the host's computer. When the host closes the world to LAN or stops hosting, the world stays there as a single-player world. The host can open it again in single-player mode, make changes, and open it to LAN again whenever they want.